Stephanopoulos asked to replace Sawyer on 'GMA'

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George Stephanopoulos and Alexandra Wentworth (AP)

December 4, 2009 6:32:24 AM PST

SAN FRANCISCO --

An executive with knowledge of the negotiations says ABC News has offered George Stephanopoulos the job of "Good Morning America" co-anchor, although ABC's political expert hasn't said he will take it.

Stephanopoulos has been considered the top contender to fill Diane Sawyer's job in the morning after she takes over later this month as "World News" anchor. The executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the executive was not authorized to speak publicly about hiring matters, confirmed a Washington Post report that the job is Stephanopoulos' to accept or turn down.

ABC would not comment on the report and a spokeswoman said Stephanopoulos was unavailable. The current host of the Sunday political talk show "This Week" would likely have to move to New York for spot on the morning show, which is considered an important profit generator for the network.